The Florida State Seminoles (0-3, 0-2 ACC) hosted the Memphis Tigers (3-0, 0-0 AAC) on Saturday after losing their first two games of the year. It was a tough day for the ‘Noles in Tallahassee, who ended up in an upset despite being a 6.5-point favorite. The final score was 20-12 and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled all day, although drops from receivers and turnovers did him no favors. He finished the game 16 of 30 with 201 passing yards and an interception.

FSU got the first possession after Memphis delayed the kickoff. Running back Roydell Williams fumbled in Florida State’s red zone, giving the Tigers short field position. Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan was able to complete a pass to Koby Drake before the Seminole defense forced a field goal on tackles for loss by Joshua Farmer and Marvin Jones, Jr. FSU would trail the rest of the game.

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Penalties stalled Florida State’s second drive, forcing the offense to a three-and-out, and the ‘Nole defense held firm as the teams traded possessions. Running back Lawrance Toafili took the Seminoles to midfield for a 24-yard rush, but was unable to score.

FSU defensive end Patrick Payton recorded a sack, but injuries in the linebacker room plagued the defense that day. Both Justin Cryer and Cam Riley were taken out of the game early. Cryer eventually returned to action while Riley headed back to the locker room.

Uiagalelei continued to struggle on offense, throwing his second interception of the season to defensive back Tahj Ra-El. Memphis was able to reach the red zone with a 40-yard pass to wide receiver Roc Taylor, and Greg Desrosiers, Jr. gave the Tigers six points to make it 10-0 on the extra point.

Florida State’s problems continued as Memphis was able to march down the field with ease, but FSU’s defense held firm. FSU was able to get on the scoreboard with a 54-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Fitzgerald.

Wide receiver Lawayne McCoy botched his punt return, giving Memphis the ball in the red zone. After a fourth-down conversion, Memphis took a two-possession lead with a 19-yard field goal by Caden Costa to make it 13-3 to end the first half.

On the first possession of the third quarter, Memphis continued to push the ball downfield. Passes to Ja’Koby Banks and Anthony Landphere put the Tigers in scoring position, and despite a tackle for loss by Farmer, Memphis was able to add another score as the game began to escape the Seminoles’ grasp.

The biggest play for FSU came on a 67-yard pass from Uiagalelei to Malik Benson, and the ‘Noles were able to score on a four-yard rushing score by Roydell Williams. After a failed two-point conversion, Florida State still trailed 20-9.

Coming back into the game, Cryer gave the defense a boost with an interception of Henigan. Benson made back-to-back catches of 10-plus yards. Wide receiver Hykeem Williams kept the chains moving, putting the ‘Noles in position to score. Fitzgerald closed the gap with a 35-yard field goal to make it 20-12.

With a glimmer of hope late in the fourth quarter, the Tigers held on to secure the win with two sacks on Uiaglelei to force a point with just two minutes left in the game. Memphis eventually ran out enough of the clock to prevent the Seminoles from having enough time to rally.

Florida State hosts ACC opponent Cal on Saturday, September 21.

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